Newsom Sidesteps DOJ Lawsuit Over Trans Athletes in California Sports

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has swiftly moved to separate the governor from a heated U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit targeting the California Department of Education (CDE) and California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) over alleged Title IX violations tied to transgender athletes in girls’ sports. In a pointed X post on Wednesday, Newsom’s team clarified that the governor is not a named party in the legal action, emphasizing the independence of the CDE and CIF from his administration.

The lawsuit, filed by the DOJ, accuses California’s policies of undermining equal athletic opportunities for girls by allowing biological males to compete in female sports and share locker rooms, creating what it calls a 'hostile educational environment.' It seeks an injunction to halt the state’s gender identity-based athletic participation rules, arguing they cost girls awards, visibility, and scholarship opportunities.

Newsom’s office defended California’s stance, noting that the state’s policies stem from a 2013 law, signed by former Governor Jerry Brown, aligning with 21 other states. The X post took a jab at the Trump administration’s interpretation of Title IX, stating, 'California follows the law, not personal opinions.' Yet, the post sidestepped the ethical debate over biological males in girls’ sports, focusing instead on legal compliance.

Speaking in South Carolina on Tuesday, Newsom admitted to grappling with the fairness question in sports. 'I don’t think it’s fair,' he said, while criticizing the 'demeaning' rhetoric aimed at the transgender community. He stressed a desire to balance fairness with respect, acknowledging the complexity of the issue without offering a clear solution.

The DOJ’s legal challenge follows a recent U.S. Education Department finding that California violated Title IX. The CDE and CIF rejected a proposed resolution last month, setting the stage for a courtroom showdown—the second of its kind after a similar DOJ suit against Maine. As the debate intensifies, California’s policies remain a flashpoint in the national conversation over transgender rights and athletic equity.